Atmospheric Rivers Slam California, Evacuations Ordered for Burn Scar Communities

Multiple atmospheric rivers are striking California in a sequence that began with a damaging weekend storm and has intensified into a statewide emergency, officials say. Evacuation warnings and orders are in place for communities below recent wildfire burn scars as forecasters warn of prolonged heavy rain, rapid Sierra snow accumulation, strong winds and widespread flood and debris flow risk.

Last Saturday night through Monday an initial atmospheric river dumped an estimated 3 to 14 inches of rain across Northern California coastal ranges and Sierra foothills, producing dozens of emergency reports. Authorities tallied 69 flooding incidents, 31 landslides and 22 instances of wind damage during the first storm. That event triggered rescues and evacuations across Northern California and was linked to at least one fatality when a 74 year old man became trapped in his pickup truck on a flooded roadway in the Redding area. In Placer County emergency crews rescued a baby in a carrier by sliding it on a ladder over a rushing river, and nine people in that home were pulled to safety by the Truckee Fire Protection District.

Forecasters say the initial storm was only the beginning. A stronger, more widespread atmospheric river arrived Tuesday night into Wednesday and another is expected to follow Thursday into Friday, locking stormy conditions across the state. The National Weather Service is emphasizing prolonged heavy precipitation and rapid snow accumulation in the Sierra Nevada that will complicate travel and emergency response.

Local governments in Southern California moved quickly to protect communities most vulnerable to post wild fire debris flows. Los Angeles County officials released an interactive map showing evacuation warnings and orders across the county, including warnings for areas below the Eaton Fire burn scar. The Palisades Fire burn zone has been reinforced with tarps, k rail and sandbags as residents were put on alert. Parts of Southern California north of the city of Los Angeles were upgraded to a rare high risk of flash flooding, a designation that includes Burbank, Altadena, Glendale, San Bernardino, Santa Clarita and Thousand Oaks.

Forecasts call for heavy rainfall persisting through Saturday, with coastal and valley locations potentially receiving 4 to 8 inches and foothills and mountains 8 to 12 inches. Some communities could see totals near 10 inches. Officials warn of life threatening flooding, debris flows through wildfire scars and strong winds capable of downing trees and causing power outages, especially where soils are already saturated. Flood watches and urban flash flood warnings extend into the Desert Southwest where normally dry washes and arroyos could run, including in the Las Vegas Valley.

The storms have already disrupted travel and community life. San Francisco International Airport recorded hundreds of flight delays and cancellations in advance of the storms, and a major holiday event in Golden Gate Park was canceled with refunds offered to ticket holders. Authorities are urging residents to be ready to evacuate immediately if ordered and to never drive through flooded roadways.

State officials have mobilized resources in advance of the winter storms, but the unfolding emergency underscores deep equity challenges. Communities below burn scars, renters and low income households face greater barriers to evacuation and recovery. Emergency managers say sustained investment in flood mitigation, power resilience and targeted support for vulnerable populations will be essential as this rare multi storm event continues to unfold.